- Algeria earmarks $2.8 billion to revamp its rail network
- The project includes new high-capacity locomotives, passenger transport cars, and high-speed trains
- Algeria aims to ensure complete rail connectivity by 2035, including electrification projects and new lines
Algeria has committed $2.8 billion to revitalize its rail network, a crucial step in the country's efforts to improve transportation and promote connectivity within the continent.
Algeria boosts rail network expansion with $2.8 billion investment in new trains
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Zawya reports that the new trains include high-capacity locomotives, passenger transport cars, self-propelled trains, high-speed self-propelled trains, freight coaches and maneuvering locomotives.
Algeria currently has over 200 stations covering mainly the north of the country
Countries like Germany, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan have trains that bolt up to 186 and 200 mph. Some trains in China run even faster.These rail networks are robust, with France even banning flights between cities that can be easily reached by train.
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Algeria’s rail network is managed by the National Company of Rail Transport (SNTF) and currently has over 200 stations covering mainly the north of the country.
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Speaking, Sifian Aibash, the company’s transport manager, said the country will fund the project in stages, the first of which includes the purchase of 400 train coaches at a cost of around DZD138 billion ($1.03 billion).
“It is a huge programme that will continue until 2035…it includes the supply of a large number of various types of train to support the rail development strategy,” he said.
Algeria will fund the project in stages, the first of which includes the purchase of 400 train coaches at a cost of around $1.03 billion.
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Algeria, a prominent oil producer has already issued an international tender for the supply of passenger transport rolling stock. The tender scope covers 6 self-propelled train sets, each with 6 standard gauge (1,435 mm) electric carriages, operating at 25 kV-50 Hz, for passenger transport as well as spare parts.
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The country has also commenced electrification projects in anticipation of the installation of high-speed trains which would link the most important cities in the country.
With over 5,000 kilometres of rail already in operation, Algeria is poised to extend its network with new lines, such as the Kenchela-Constantine connection, to improve travel times, bridge community gaps, and drive economic development.
This move is part of Algeria's broader objective to ensure complete connectivity by 2035.
